Where do I find the leg harness on the Float pack?The leg harness is attached to the left side waist belt and stored in a sleeve.

How do Float avalanche airbags reduce avalanche burial depth?Inverse segregation, more commonly referred to as the “Brazil nut effect,” is the science behind why avalanche airbags work. The turbulent movement sorts different shaped objects by size (similar to the way large Brazil nuts will rise to the top when a bowl of mixed nuts is shaken). Smaller objects are more likely to fall into the voids created by the turbulence, while larger objects move to the top. In addition to increasing your overall buoyancy, the Float avalanche airbags are designed to make a backcountry user “bigger” than the surrounding pieces of debris in an avalanche. The Floats use compressed air in the cylinder to fill the bag and make the user’s volume larger, reducing or eliminating burial depth and increasing your chances of survival.

How do I install Float avalanche airbag accessories, such as BC Link radio cord, hydration hose and trigger?
Watch this video to learn how to properly install Float avalanche airbag accessories into the pack so that they do not interfere with an airbag deployment.

How do I repack a Float avalanche airbag?
Watch this video to learn how to repack a Float avalanche airbag into the pack after it has been deployed.

FLOAT AIR CYLINDER REFILLS & EXCHANGES

How do I refill or exchange a Float compressed air cylinder?There are several ways to refill or exchange your cylinder once it has been discharged. BCA has an extensive network of BCA-certified refill centers published on our Refill Center Locator page. These include select dealers, SCUBA and paintball shops, and fire stations. BCA also offers a cylinder exchange program. This enables Float owners to exchange empty cylinders for full cylinders at the dealer’s location or at BCA instead of a certified refill station. Visit the BCA cylinder refill and exchange page for more information.

Do not attempt to recharge the cylinder at locations that are not authorized by BCA, as this process requires training, documentation, and parts provided by BCA. For a list of BCA authorized refill stations, please visit our Refill Center Locator Page.

How often should I refill and test a Float avalanche airbag cylinder?BCA encourages practicing the deployment of your airbag at least once per year. Once you have discharged your compressed air cylinder, you will need to bring it to BCA, BCA Canada, or to an authorized BCA Float cylinder refill station.

Where can I find the closest air cylinder refill/exchange location?Click here to find a BCA certified refill/exchange center location near you.

How are avalanche airbag air cylinders installed?
Watch this video to see how to install an avalanche airbag compressed air cylinder.

Can I transport a Float avalanche airbag cylinder on commercial airlines?

Domestic Air Travel: The best way to fly with your air cylinder is to empty it with the head detached. Discharge the compressed air cylinder before entering the airport. Unscrew the cylinder head from the cylinder and put both in re-sealable plastic bags. Carry them through the TSA security checkpoint so they are visible to TSA personnel. Afterward, the cylinder head can be screwed back on the cylinder by hand. When you reach your destination, locate a Float retailer or refill center and exchange or refill your empty cylinder. For a list of Float refill/exchange locations, see our refill centers store locator page.

It’s also possible to purchase a high-pressure floor pump that you can bring in your luggage. When you reach your destination, simply fill your cylinder manually. We suggest the Benjamin High-Pressure Hand Pump from Crosman Corporation. This can be found online through your favorite search engine.

International Air Travel: While the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has specifically approved avalanche airbags with pressurized cylinders for airline travel, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) does not allow them. If you are traveling in countries outside of North America where refills are not available, contact your airline in advance for permission to check through your pressurized Float cylinder. If permission is granted, then pack the pressurized air cylinder in your checked baggage with the IATA dangerous goods regulations printed out and clearly shown. Unfortunately, regardless of this document and verbal permission often times cylinders have been confiscated by airlines. If you are traveling to or from North America, then TSA will not allow your pressurized cylinder on board.

Float Air Travel DocumentsDownload and print, carry with you, attached to your cylinder for airport security!

Does not have load lifters, ice axe loops, lined goggle pocket or a helmet carry

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 8?The Float 8 is compatible with the BCA Stealth 240 and Stealth 270 avalanche probes and is partially compatible with the Stealth 300. The Stealth 300 only fits sideways in the main storage compartment. All BCA avalanche shovels fit in the Float 8 except for the B-52 EXT. To create more room in your Float 8, the shovel can be carried on the outside of the pack by purchasing our External Shovel Carry Attachment.

FLOAT 22 AVALANCHE AIRBAGS

What features does the Float 22 include?

Designated avalanche tool compartments and dry main compartment

Height adjustable trigger mounts

Fixed leg strap

Diagonal ski carrying system

Internal mesh pocket

Left side hip pocket

Trigger can be swapped between the left and right shoulder straps, allowing the non-trigger side to be BC Link radio/hydration compatible

Multiple anchor points to carry external tools with straps (provided by user) or to attach external snowboard or shovel carry systems sold separately

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 22?

The Float 22 is compatible with all BCA avalanche probes and shovels except the B-52 EXT, which only fits in the main storage compartment.

FLOAT 25 TURBO AVALANCHE AIRBAGS

What features does the Float 25 Turbo include?

Designated avalanche tool compartments and dry main compartment

Compression formed back panel with internal support stay

Height adjustable waist belt for torso length

Height adjustable trigger mounts

Load lifters

External and internal shovel carry

Fixed leg strap

Storm zipper flaps

Heavy-duty ballistic nylon base

Multiple internal pockets

Fleece lined goggle pocket

Internal mesh pocket

Dual hip pockets

Trigger can be swapped between the left and right shoulder straps, allowing the non-trigger side to be BC Link radio/hydration compatible

Compatible with snowboard carry attachment

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 25 Turbo?The Float 25 Turbo is compatible with all BCA avalanche probes and shovels, although the B-52 EXT snow shovel handle only fits inside the dry main compartment or in the external shovel carry.

FLOAT 27 TECH AVALANCHE AIRBAGS

What features does the Float 27 Tech include?

Designated avalanche tool compartments and dry main compartment

Height adjustable trigger mounts

Load lifters

Fixed leg strap

Diagonal ski carrying system

Daisy chain

Compression straps

Fleece lined goggle pocket

Internal mesh pocket

Dual hip pockets

Dual ice axe carry

Dual waist belt gear loops

Trigger can be swapped between the left and right shoulder straps, allowing the non-trigger side to be BC Link radio/hydration compatible

Compatible with snowboard carry attachment

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 27 Tech?The Float 27 Tech is compatible with all BCA avalanche probes and shovels except the B-52 EXT.

FLOAT 32 AVALANCHE AIRBAGS

What features does the Float 32 include?

Designated avalanche tool compartments and dry main compartment

Compression formed back panel with internal support stay

Height adjustable waist belt for torso length

Load lifters

Height adjustable trigger mounts

Fixed leg strap

Diagonal ski carrying system

Vertical snowboard carry

Compression straps

Fleece lined goggle pocket

Internal mesh pocket

Dual hip pockets

Dual ice axe carry

Dual waist belt gear loops

Trigger can be swapped between the left and right shoulder straps, allowing the non-trigger side to be BC Link radio/hydration compatible

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 32?The Float 32 is compatible with all BCA avalanche probes and shovels. The B-52 EXT avalanche shovel fits in the designated avalanche tool compartment snugly.

FLOAT 42 AVALANCHE AIRBAGS

What features does the Float 42 include?

Designated avalanche tool compartments and dry main compartment

Height adjustable trigger mounts

Load lifters

Fixed leg strap

Diagonal ski carrying system

Daisy chain

Compression straps

Fleece lined goggle pocket

Internal mesh pocket

Dual hip pockets

Dual ice axe carry

Dual waist belt gear loops

Trigger can be swapped between the left and right shoulder straps, allowing the non-trigger side to be BC Link radio/hydration compatible

Compatible with snowboard carry attachment

Which BCA probes and shovels are compatible with the Float 42?The Float 42 is compatible with all BCA avalanche probes and shovels. The B-52 EXT avalanche shovel fits in the designated avalanche tool compartment snugly.